Book cover with Vairocana and bodhisattvas 

At the centre of this carved wooden manuscript cover sits the transcendent Buddha Vairochana “the Illuminator.” Sitting legs crossed in meditation on a throne and a lotus, his hands are joined before his chest in the teaching gesture that “sets in motion the wheel of the Law.” Young and handsome, of bright white complexion, he is adorned with the garments and jewellery of the divine manifestation.

Vairochana is flanked by two standing assistant bodhisattvas of smaller proportions. On each side sit six other larger bodhisattvas placed in alcoves. Each performs a specific gesture, sometimes holding attributes. Altogether, they could represent the eight major bodhisattvas known as the “eight clos sons.” Beneath them, the hand joined in adoration are two small kimnari, fantastic beings part bird and part human, whose long tails run along the cover in vegetal scrolls. The upper range gathers the eight auspicious symbols along with two sea-monsters makara and the mythical bird garuda as Vairochana’s throne top ornaments. The whole scene, painted in gold with a red background is enclosed in rectangular frame with beaded motifs.